Lalkantha should explain his method to prevent crop damage : farmer organizations

• They stressed that the farmers were animal lovers who would not resort to sinful deeds of killing or inflicting cruelties to animals

By B. G. Chaturanga  

Farmer organizations said it is imperative that the Minister of Agriculture K.D. Lalkantha should clarify his advice to the farmers on preventing animals causing crop devastation and enlighten them on the way to do it.   

They stressed that the farmers were animal lovers who would not resort to sinful deeds of killing or inflicting cruelties to animals although the minister told Parliament that the farmers were at liberty to resort to any method to prevent the crop devastation caused by wild animals.   

President of Mahasen Joint Farmer Organization in Mahakanadarawa Saman Tusitha pointed out that the minister should issue a gazette notification to create public awareness in this regard instead of making statements in Parliament.   

President of Ranamuyura Farmer Organization and former President and of Maha Kanadarawa Joint Farmer Organization Subhasinghe Ratnayake said what the farmers understand from the minister’s advice is that they were permitted to kill animals, but it is not possible.   

“Farmers are very innocent and they are not prepared to kill animals. We request the minister not to leave that sinful deed to the farmers. However, he should undertake it himself. He could form an armed unit to kill wild elephants, monkeys, wild boar and birds. Or else my neighour would be at liberty to kill my cow that entered his garden if the minister’s statement was not clarified” he said.